Blog

Welcome to the Senior Resource Connect blog. You can visit the blog each Wednesday at 10am for the latest information about aging, caregiving, COVID, and local resources.

What’s a long-distance caregiver to do?

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You love your family member and want to support them as they grow older…but you live in a different state- now what? 

The National Institute on Aging defines long-distance caregiving as caring for someone you live at least an hour-long car ride away from. Long-distance caregiving is more common than you may think! According to a 2017 study, it’s estimated that between five to seven million people care for a loved one that lives 100 or more miles away. Much like Millennial caregivers, long-distance caregivers can feel like an outsider in caregiving support groups because they don’t fit the mold of the “traditional” caregiver. It’s not uncommon for long-distance caregivers to have higher stress, feel less support, have higher anxiety and more burden that “traditional caregivers. So, what can be done? 

Anticipate needs and setup services now 

Research services available in your loved one’s neighborhood and ask for recommendations from neighbors if possible. Is there a company that everyone goes through for their snow removal? What about a cleaning service? Does your loved one get out of the house fairly regularly, or would they benefit from Meals on Wheels? 

Stay connected with your loved one 

It’s much easier to stay in touch with technology! Schedule a weekly check in phone call with your loved one. If they’re tech savvy enjoy Facetiming or video calling with them. If they’re not as techy, a phone call can also work to let you feel connected to your loved one while listening for red flags that they might need more help. See if you can talk to a neighbor or family member that lives nearby to give you a realistic look at how your loved one is doing. Speaking of technology…  

Attend appointments remotely 

See if your loved one’s doctor will let them Facetime their appointments so you can be there without hopping on a plane. This is a great tool to make sure that your loved one is not confused by instructions and that you get your questions answered. Your loved one may have to sign a consent form before the doctor will talk with you.  

Plan to get as much done as possible during visits 

When you do visit, have a plan.  

Before the visit: 

  • Ask your loved one if there is anything specific they’d like to do 
  • Check in with the primary caregiver and ask how you can help them 
  • Ask the primary caregiver if there’s anything your loved one needs 

During the visit 

Practice selfcare  

You are not less of a caregiver because you live far away. Focus on what you can do instead of beating yourself up for what you can’t do because of distance.  

Bookmark the Ahead of the Curve Resource Directory to stay up to date on programs and services for older adults in Washtenaw County.

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Medication Safety 101

March 26th is Epilepsy Awareness Day. You may have heard of Epilepsy, but did you know that it affects an increasing number of older adults? Today on the blog we’re going to explore Epilepsy- what it is, how it affects older adults, and what resources exist in the community.  

 

What is Epilepsy? 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Epilepsy is a chronic disease where the cells in the brain produce abnormal electrical signals, causing seizures. Approximately 3.4 million people in the United States live with Epilepsy. Epilepsy can be treated with daily medication.  

 

Epilepsy & Older Adults 

Older adults (age 55+) are the fastest growing group of epilepsy patients. It's estimated that there are nearly 1 million older adults living with Epilepsy in the United States. In older adults, strokes may cause symptoms that resemble other health conditions, such as wandering, confusion, dissociating, or the inability to speak (all of which can resemble Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia). Unfortunately, many antiseizure medications put older adults at an increased risk of falling due to side effects including dizziness and loss of balance. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your medication (we’ve also covered basic fall prevention tips on the blog in the past). 

 

Managing Epilepsy 

While seizures can be unpredictable, there are some small steps people with Epilepsy can take that may improve their seizure control and overall health. 

Stay on top of medication. 

Missing medication is the leading trigger for seizures. 

How Can You Make Sure You Take Your Medicine As Directed? via Senior Resource Connect 

How to save money on prescription medications via Senior Resource Connect 

Get a good night’s sleep. 

Sleep deprivation can also trigger seizures.  

Stay active. 

Eat a healthy diet and know how certain foods or drinks (e.g., alcohol, caffeine) affect your seizures.  

Reduce stress. 

Keep a record of your seizures- what happened before, during and after the seizure, any triggers you can identify, and any patterns you notice. 

Develop a Seizure Action Plan and share it with loved ones.  

 

What To Do If Someone Is Having a Seizure (Stay-Safe-Side) via Michigan Medicine 

STAY with the person until they are alert and the seizure has passed. 

Make sure to time the seizure. 

Make sure the person having the seizure is in a SAFE place. 

Turn the person on their SIDE to keep their airway clear. 

Also make sure to loosen any clothing/jewelry that may be tight around their neck. 

Make sure there’s something soft under their head.  

When to call 911: 

If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. 

If the person has multiple seizures one after the other. 

If the person has difficulty breathing, chest pain, or does not regain alertness after the seizure. 

If the person became injured during the seizure. 

If the seizure occurs in water.  

 

Local & National Resources 

Epilepsy Foundation’s 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 

Spanish hotline: 1-866-748-8008 

Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s Here For You Helpline: 1-800-377-6226 

Project UPLIFT via the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan 

Evidence-based depression management program for adults with Epilepsy. This program runs for 8 weeks and is conducted over the phone. 

Seizure Response Dogs via Paws With A Cause ($50 application fee) 

Seizure Smart Mental Health Professional Network- this is a list of therapists that have completed the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s training on seizures and mental health. 

Steve Metz Memorial Grant via The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation 

Offers a one-time grant in the amount of $1,000 towards a seizure alert dog.  

University of Michigan Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (734) 936-9020

Supporting Older Adults with Epilepsy

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Spotlight: Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

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Nutritionist Services: Getting Coverage and Support

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Wishing You A Blessed Ash Wednesday